Asthma society calls on Varadkar to address medication costs
The Asthma Society has called on the new Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, to combat the high cost of medication they say puts asthma sufferers at higher risk of attack.
Recent research conducted by the society shows that 40% of its members are not taking their medication as prescribed due to high costs.
They are calling for financial support to fund asthma medication by including it in both the Long Term Illness Scheme and the Medical Card Scheme.
It is estimated that more than 470,000 people in Ireland suffer from asthma, and the condition is more common in children. An asthma attack can be triggered by pollutants, irritants, and other airborne particles.
The most well-known form of treatment is an inhaler, which delivers drugs such as salbutamol or terbutaline to relax the muscles around the airways and reduce constriction.
